Monthly Archives: May 2017

the sweet side of Ramadan

There is a time, a place (and an amount) that is actually ok for indulgences. This rule applies even more during the Holy month of Ramadan when the cravings for sweets are running wild! What we have found helps our clients is using the term “Conscious Indulgence” which helps them strike the perfect balance in finding a place for the occasional decadence, in their otherwise healthy diets.

This concept we find works well in Ramadan mainly because with fasting the cravings are intense, and we are trying to stick to a healthy eating plan but we also want to indulge. And the way that many of us manage that, is by eating sweets that are “ fat-free” so that we can eat without guilt, or fear of derailing our healthy diets. But this is exactly what you DON’T want to do! When it comes to your nutrition, trying to trick your mind by thinking “these gummy bears are ok because they are fat free” can derail you from your goals. So don’t eat sweets for the wrong reasons. You may think the handful of jelly beans is a better diet choice than the small piece of Kunafa because after all, they’re just sugar, but the Kunafa has fat, well here’s the truth… ALL the extra calories you eat will get turned into fat — whether from sugar, fat or protein.

And let’s be honest for a second.. Most likely when you are eating a dessert you aren’t eating it for it’s nutritional value, you are eating it for the taste and the pleasure of indulging. So choose the indulgence you actually want, not the one you think you should want, and then manage the portions. This way you can control the cravings better and stay on track.

This Ramadan, give yourself rules that work for you, and stick to them. Think back to past years and remember what has NOT worked for you when you’ve tried to lose or maintain weight while staying healthy during Ramadan, and write them down. Then, write down what you will do differently this time.

So maybe in the past you’ve allowed yourself as many sweets as you wanted after Iftar (You have been fasting all day after all so you deserve it right?) but somehow you ended up 2kg heavier by Eid. This year, maybe allow yourself 1 dessert every day, or every other day after iftar until Eid.. Whatever it may be, different people need different rules, so there’s no right or wrong, you just need to listen to your body and be honest with yourself about your habits, strengths, and challenges.

Probably the most important thing that we do emphasize is for you to eat your Ramadan sweets in an mindful manner. Do not rush or blindly eat desserts after you break fast. Sit down, and enjoy your sweets so that it is mindful, conscious and satisfying, rather than when you’re distracted (which can actually lead you to eat much more!).

We hope these tips help you to be more conscious with your indulgences this Ramadan! If you try these ideas let us know how they worked! And remember that if you need support or additional help with your diet and wellness, our team is always ready to help!

vegan avocado and lime ice cream

Buttery avocados brightened with lime make for smooth, creamy, dairy-free ice cream. Add lime juice in small increments to taste—too little and the ice cream turns out bland, too much and it becomes overly savory.

If your diet permits white sugar, feel free to substitute an equal volume of it for the raw sugar in this recipe for a cleaner flavor.

Ingredients

4 cups diced avocado (about 30 ounces from 6 avocadoes)

1 cup raw (turbinado) sugar

1 cup water

1 tablespoon grated lime zest from 3 to 4 limes

4 to 6 tablespoons lime juice, to taste, from 3 to 4 limes

Salt

Procedures

In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, sugar, water, lime zest, and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Blend until very smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer to an airtight container and stir in remaining lime juice and salt to taste in small increments. Ice cream base should have a subtle lime flavor but should taste mainly like avocado. Chill in freezer until ice cream is firm enough to scoop, about 5 hours.Sourced from SeriousEats.com

turn your life around in nine steps this year!

These are 9 Healthy Habits worth printing and pinning up on your fridge. Not to look at, but to implement into your life on a daily basis this year. While new year resolutions may be over hyped, these are healthy boosts or reminders that can improve your life, relationships, sleep patterns, stress patterns and more, on a daily basis towards a more healthier and confident you. Bought to you by Pilates Style:

From breaking the soda addiction to starting a meditation practice, these health practices will pay off big dividends — by Stacy Baker Masand

delicious dairy-free vegan queso dip for cheese lovers !

Now, even if you are not a vegan, or a vegetarian, this much healthier and dairy-freeoption is a great substitute when you’re craving a cheese dip. It is a delicious, lighter and satisfying dip substitute to processed cheese using healthy cashews instead, yes, cashews! Easy to prepare and so creamy and delicious, this lower calorie and heart healthier alternative dip is also a lighter way to indulge; loaded with B-vitamins, protein and healthy fats, you can actually feel good about enjoying this cheesy, yet cheeseless, delight. Nutritional yeast is considered by many to be the most valuable supplement available and is used as a flavor enhancer as well as a nutritional aid …